Hatsuharu Souma

Haru's ordinary "White" personality is calm, patient and sometimes so understated that his jokes are difficult to distinguish from serious remarks. He is observant of other people's distress and often steps in quietly rather than making a spectacle of helping.

"Black Haru" emerges when his anger passes a certain point. In this state he becomes aggressive, destructive, confrontational and much less restrained in what he says. Haru remains aware of what happens during these episodes even though controlling them is difficult.

His famously poor sense of direction is independent of either mood. Haru can become lost for extraordinary lengths of time, including a three-day attempt to find Kyou for a challenge.

As the Ox, Haru transforms into a cow when the Zodiac curse is triggered. His animal association also informs the White Haru/Black Haru contrast used to describe his temperament.

Haru has martial-arts training and is physically capable enough to challenge Kyou. He studied under Kazuma Souma and combines his naturally solid build with a willingness to fight when provoked.

He is also unusually comfortable with unconventional fashion, piercings and jewelry. His style becomes part of his self-expression rather than merely an attempt to provoke authority.

Haru initially enters the school-centered story through his connections to Yuki and Kyou, then enrolls at Kaibara alongside Momiji Souma. His childhood history with Yuki explains why his affection for the Rat runs much deeper than ordinary family familiarity.

His most substantial storyline concerns Rin. Their relationship exposes the degree to which Akito's control can make even consensual relationships among the Zodiac dangerous.

After learning what Akito did to Rin and understanding that her breakup was intended to protect him, Haru directly confronts Akito. His search for Rin later contributes to exposing the further abuse she has suffered.

Isuzu Souma is Haru's principal romantic relationship. He supports Isuzu Souma after her abusive home life collapses, and their friendship develops into love. Their separation is revealed to have been an attempt to protect him rather than a loss of feeling.

Yuki Souma is deeply important to Haru. As a child, Haru resented Yuki Souma because of the Zodiac story portraying the Rat as cleverer than the Ox, but a simple act of kindness overturns that resentment and produces lasting affection.

Kyou Souma is a frequent target of Haru's teasing and occasional challenges, although the two share a fundamentally friendly relationship.

Kisa Souma is one of the younger Zodiac members Haru treats protectively.

Akito Souma becomes the focus of Haru's anger when he learns the extent of the violence directed at Rin.